Container treating machine



June 2, 1942-l J. M. Ho'rHERsALL ETAL 2,284,660

CONTAINER TREATING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1957 11 sheets-sheet 1 June 2, 1942. J. M. HOTHERSALL ETAL 2,284,650

CONTAINER TRETING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1957 ll Sheets-Sheet 2 June 2, 1942. J. M. HoTHERsALl. ETAL 2,284,660

CONTAINER TREATING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1937 1l Sheets-Sheet 3 am a June 2, 1942. J. M. HOTHERSALL. ETAL 2,284,660

CONTAINER TREATING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1937 ll Sheets-Sheet 4 yfmv June 2, 1942. J. M. HOTHERSALL ETAL 2,284,660

CONTAINER TREATING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1957 ll Sheets-Sheet 5 June 2, 1942. J. M. HOTHERSALL x-:T AL 2,284,660

CONTAINER TREATING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1937 1l Sheets-Sheet 6 i@ ATT# NE June 2, 1942. 1. M. HOTHERSALL E1- AL 2,284,660

CONTAINER TREATING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1937 ll Shees-Sheel '7 HITS ff Ef a H ATTORNEY June 2, 1942. 1, M. HoTHERsALL E1- AL 2,284,660

CONTAINER TREMING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1937 ll Sheets-Sheet 8 274 27/ 775 24a Z55 2441 2;/ J77K l' 253 la ATTORNEY June 2, 1942. J. M. HoTHERsALL ET Al. 2,284,660

CONTAINER TREATING MACHNE ll Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Nov. 5, 1937 June 2, 1942. J. M. HOTHERSALL. ET Al. 2,284,650

CONTAINER TRE'TING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1937 11 sheets-sheet 1o Q wm@ ATTO N EYS June 2, 1942. J. M. HoTHERsALL ET Ax. 2,284,660

` CONTAINER TREATING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1937 l1 Sheets-Sheet 11 F.z' g. 37 l 155 /554 4.35\ 4.?7 43g I /73Z` 435' 5.9/

Patented June 2, 1942 CONTAINER TREATING MACHINE John M. Hothersall, Brooklyn, N. Y., and August E. Almgren, Hillside, J., assignors to American Can Company, New

tion of New Jersey York, N. Y., a corpora- Application November 5, 1937, Serial No. 173,050

8 Claims.

The present invention relates to a container or can treating machine and has particular reference to devices for preparing a closed empty can having an attached closure element so that it will be in condition for subsequent filling, such preparatory steps including proper positioning and feeding of a can, dating the same, then opening its closure element and when in correct open position delivering it for subsequent filling or other desired operation.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a can treating machine for preparing a closed but empty milk can or the like for subsequent illling by individually feeding the empty cans (which are closed by attached closure elements) from a magazine or other source of supply, passing each can from its horizontal magazine position into upright position and dating each can by stamping the desired insignia on a suitable part thereof and then. opening the can by hinging its attached closure element into open filling position, all of the operations being correlated to produce the desired results, provision being made for arresting a given operation if the can is not in proper position at its various stages and finally delivering only the. properly conditioned opened cans whichhave been made available for the subsequent fllling'step, all defective cans being removed from the normal course and separated from these conditioned cans.

ythe invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view, with parts broken away, of a can treating machine embodying the instant invention, the view also showing a portion of a can filling machine;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of parts Another object of the invention is the proof the machine adjacent the can magazine, the view also showing cans being operated on;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section taken substantially along the broken line 3 3 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken substantially along the broken line 4 4 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a transverse section of the upper portion of the machine, the section being taken substantially along the line 5 5 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional detail as viewed substantially along the line 6 6 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section taken substantially along the line 1 1 in Fig. 1, parts being broken away;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional detail of certain parts illustrated in Fig. 7, the detail showing these parts in a diii'erent position;

Fig. 9 is a transverse section taken substantially along the broken line 9 9 in Fig. 1 with parts broken away;

Figs. 10, 1l and 12 are enlarged fragmentary sectional details of the machine as viewed along a line Ill-Il) in Fig. 9 and showing the machine parts in diiierent positions, Figs. 10 and 11 also showing a can being operated on;

Figs. 13, 14 and 15 are horizontal sections taken substantially along the broken lines I3-l3, M Id, l5 |5, respectively, in Figs. 10, 11 and 12;

Fig. 16 is a vertical section taken substantially along the line' I6 l6 in Fig. 15;

Fig. 1'7 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of a can carrying tab lifting device, the view being turned through degrees from that shown in Fig. 1 and also showing a can in place in the device;

Figs. 18, 19 and 20 are longitudinal sections taken substantially along the line |8 l8 in Fig. 17, the sections showing the various parts in diiferent positions relative to the upper end of a can, portions of the can in Figs. 19 and 20 being broken back and shown in section;

Figs. 21 and 22 are sectional views of the upper end of a can showing its tab being lifted, the views being taken substantially along the line 2| 2l in Fig. 17;

Fig. 23 is a longitudinal section taken substantially along the line 23 23 in Fig. 1, with parts broken away;

Fig. 24 is a sectional detail taken substantially along a line 24 24 in Fig. 23;

Fig. 25 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken substantially along the line 25-25 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 26 is an enlarged transverse vertical section of a tab marking portion of the machine, the view being taken substantially along the broken line 26-26 in Fig. 1, with parts broken away, a can also being shown in place in the machine;

Figs. 27 and 28 are sectional details of the tab marker as viewed substantially along the respective lines 21-21, 281-28 in Fig. 26, Fig. 27 also showing cans being operated upon;

Figs. 29 and 30 are sectional details of the tab marker taken substantially along the respective lines 29-29, 30-30 in Fig. 26, Fig. 30 also showing a can in place in the machine;

Fig. 31 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the tab marker;

Fig. 32 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a can closure element lifting portion of the machine showing cans being operated upon;

Figs. 33, 34 and 35 are sectional views, Figs. 33 and 35 being taken substantially along the lines 33-33, 35-35, respectively, in Fig. 32, while Fig. 34 is taken substantially along a line 34-34 in Fig. 33, the upper portion of a can being shown in place in all of these views and shown in section in Figs. 34 and 35,'

Fig. 36 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of a can closure element detector portion of the machine as viewed substantially along the line 36-36 in Fig. 3, the view also showing cans being operated upon;

Fig. 37 is an enlarged fragmentary section of a can detector unit being taken substantially along the line 31-31 in Fig. 1, and showing in place the upper portion of a can in section;

Fig. 38 is a view similar to Fig. 37 showing the movable parts in a different position; and

Figs. 39 and 40 are sectional details being respectively viewed substantially along the lines 39-39, 40-40 in Fig. 36.

An exemplary form of can which is adapted to be treated and prepared for filling in the machine illustrated in the drawings is fully disclosed in United States Patent Number 2,085,979, issued to John M. Hothersall on July 6, 1937. Such a can is herein indicated by the letter b. The can is preferably made of fibre and is provided with fibre top and bottom end members. The top end member is formed with a filling and dispensing opening c Awhich is disposed at one corner of the can. This opening is adapted to be subsequently closed and sealed, after the can is filled, by a flap or closure element d which is hingedly secured to the top end member.

The closure element is provided with a plug section e formed tofit into and ll the opening c when the closure element is in can closing position. This closure'element is formed integrally with a can lifting or carrying tab f the whole being secured by a staple g to the top end member of the can. The staple is disposed between the closure element and the tab so that they may be independently hinged upwardly.

The cans b to be treated in the machine have preferably been sterilized and coated interiorly and exteriorly with a suitable liquid proof, air impervious coating. The filling and dispensing opening c has also been closed hermetically by the closure element d and the can is in a sterile condition. The carrying tab f lies flat against the top end member.

The cans b as received in the machine for treatment are horizontally disposed one above the other in a vertical stack within a magazine A (Figs. 1, "i, 8 and 9). A can detecting instru.-

posed adjacent the bottom of the magazine and functions to ascertain the fully seated position on the magazine bottom. of the lowermost can. When a can is in such a position that detecting instrumentality unlocks a can feeding device C (Figs. l, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15 and 16) which moves the lowermost can from the magazine and places it into a can setting-up member D (see also Figs. 6 and 23). Here the can is rotated into an upright or vertical position with its top end up.

An auxiliary feeding device E (Figs. 1 and 9) thereupon removes the upright can from the setting-up member D and positions it in the path of travel of a can pusher F (Figs. 1, 2, 5, '17 and 22, inclusive) which is located adjacent a tab raising element G. The pusher advances the can past the tab raising element and places it into a rotatable turret H (Fig. 1). This movement past the tab raising element effects a raising or hinging of the tab f of the can so that it assumes an inclined position relative to the can end member instead of lying flat against it.

The can is now carried intermittently by the turret H through a circular path of travel. During this travel the raised tab f is engaged by a marking mechanism J (Figs. 1, 5, 26 to 31, inclusive) and dated. The can is advanced into another position where the closure element d is lifted by a closure element lifting device and suction cup K (Figs. 1, 32 to 35, inclusive). This opens or uncovers the filling opening c. The opened closure element is now held opened while the can is further advanced to a closure element detector and can throw-out mechanism L (Figs. 1, 37 to 40, inclusive). This detector and throwout mechanism operates in the following manner.

If the closure element is in full open position so that the filling opening c is fully uncovered, the can is passed on to a transfer device M which removes it from the can treating machine and places it into a filling machine N (Fig. 1). The filling machine forms no part of the instant invention and therefore will be only briefly mentioned. However, if the closure element of the can is vincorrectly positioned and the filling opening c is not fully uncovered the can is thrown out or discarded and is not passed into the filling machine.

The can magazine A (Figs. 1, 7, 8 and 9) is of rectangular cross-section just large enough to accommodate the can b as it rests in horizontal position, i. e., on one of its sides. This magazine is formed on the top of a cover plate section 5I of a main frame housing 52 carried on a machine base 53 (see also Fig. 3). The magazine is provided with a bottom plate-54 and also a pair of oppositely, laterally disposed outlet openings 55 which are formed in the side wall sections of the magazine adjacent its bottom plate.

Cans are brought into the magazine A by any suitable means from a suitable source of supply, The cans fall toward the bottom of the magazine and stack up on top of eachother. The

' lowermost can of the stack when in proper posimentality B (Figs. 1, 5, 9 to 16, inclusive) is dis- 75 tion for feeding from the magazine is supported on the Vbottom plate 54 and is in alignment with the outlet openings 55.

'Ihe cans are fed from the magazine A in time with the other moving parts of the machine and it is therefore a desideratum that the lowermost can in the stack be in alignment with the magazine outlet openings 55 at feeding time so that a jam will not occur. It is for the purpose of preventing such a jam that the can detector instrumentalities B are located adjacent the bottom of the magazine.

The can detector instrumentalities B include a hollow elongated head 58 which is formed on one end of a horizontal rod 59 (see also Fig. 5) carried in a pair of bearings 6| on the frame cover plate section The rod is reciprocated toward and away from the magazine in time with the other moving parts of the machine by a cam actuated lever 63 which is mounted on a pivot pin 64 carried in a bearing 65. The bearing depends from the frame cover plate section 5|.

The upper end of the lever 63` extends up through an opening 66 in the cover plate section and operates in a slot 61 formed in the rod 59. This connection prevents the rod from turning in its bearings. The lower end of the lever carries a. cam roller 6.8 which operates in a cam groove 69 of a compound cam 1I. The

y compound cam is mounted on a horizontal cam shaft 12 journaled in bearings 13 formed in the frame housing 52.

Cam shaft 12 is rotated continuously by a bevel gear 15 carried thereon. The gear meshes with a driving bevel gear 16 which is mounted on a drive shaft 11 (see also Fig. 3) carried in a bearing 18 formed in the frame housing 62 and in a bearing 19 formed in an end plate 80 which is bolted over an open end of the housing 52. The drive shaft is rotated in any suitable manner, as for example, by an endless belt 8|. This belt may be driven by an electric motor 82 (Fig. l) mounted on `an extension of the machine base 53. The belt preferably takes over a suitable slip clutch 83 mounted on the drive shaft 11. It is through this driving means that the detector head 58 is periodically moved toward the magazine A.

The detector head 58 (Fig. 10) is provided at one end with a boss 85 which carries a movable detector pin 86. The detector pin projects into a hole 81 which is formed in the adjacent end wall section of the magazine A and which is located just above the magazine bottom plate 54.

When the detector head 58 moves toward the magazine A the detector pin 86 moves with it.

If there are no cans in the magazine or if the lowermost can in a stack is not fully seated on the magazine bottom plate and in alignment with the magazine outlet openings 55 when the detector head moves forward, the detector pin 86 will extend into the space where the can should be as shown in Fig. 12, the pin remainingy stationary in its boss 85.

If, however, a can is in alignment with the magazine outlet openings 55 the pin 86 will engage against the can end when the head moves forward and the pin will be shifted in its boss 85 to the position of Fig. 11. This shifting of the pin actuates a bell crank lever 88 which operates locking devices associated with the can feeding device C and which permits the feeding device to remove the lowermost can from the magazine.

The bell crank lever 88 is carried in the detector head 58 and is mounted on a pivot pin 89 secured in the head. The outer end of one arm of the lever extends through an opening95 formed in the boss 85 and operates in a slot 96 in the detector pin 88. The arm of the lever is backed up by a plunger 91 and a spring 98 which are retained in a bore 99 formed in the end of the head rod 59. This construction insures move ment of the bell crank lever with the shifting movement of the detector pin 86 and also moves the pin through the bell cranklever.

The other arm of the bell crank lever 88 extends at right angles to the first mentioned arm and carries at its outer end a long pin ||I and a short piu H2. These pins are adapted to set and release a feed locking pawl II4 and a holding pawl H5 which are closely associated with the can feeding device C.

The pawls H4, H5 are mounted, as best shown in Fig. 13, on pivot studs H6 carried inl a can feeding head H1 which is superimposed over a continuously reciprocated slide H8 of the feeding device C. The head H1 and slide H8 are locked together by the pawls only at a time when a can is to be removed from the magazine, otherwise the head remains inactive while the slide continues to reciprocate.

The holding pawl I I5 is formed with a depending finger |2| which extends down adjacent the short pin H2 of the detector lever 88; The pawl is further formed with a hook |22 which when normally engaged over a lug |23 on the locking pawl H4 holds the latter in locking position, The pawls are normally maintained in this interlocked relation by a plunger |25 and a spring. |26 which are disposed in a bore |21 in the feeding head I I1. The lower end of the locking pawl H4 is provided with a projection |28 which when in locking position extends down into a locking recess I3| of the feed slide H8.

The feed slide H8 is carried in slideways |33 formed in the main frame housing 52 which are at right angles to the longitudinal center line of the magazine A and in line with its outlet openings 55. The slide is retained in the slideways by plates |35 one of which is provided with a clearance notch |36 for the locking pawl projection |28 when the latter is in its normal or non-locking position. The feeding head |I1 is supported on the plates |35 and is retained in position by guide rails |31. v

The feed slide I8 is reciprocated by a link I4I (see Figs. 7 and 9) one end of which connects with a lug |42 depending from the slide. The other end of the link connects with an arm |43 which is mounted on a horizontal shaft |44 carried in bearings |45 formed inside the frame housing 52. The shaft also carries an arm |46 having a cam roller |41 which operates in a suitable cam groove formed in a cam |48 mounted on the continuously rotating cam shaft 12. Through this medium the feed slide IIB is continuously reciprocated toward and away from the magazine A.

When the bell crank lever 88 of the detector instrumentalities B is rocked (as shown in Fig. 11) by the shifting of the detector pin 86, brought about by a properly positioned can in the magazine A, the long pin III on the end of the bell crank lever arm is moved rst into alignment with the locking pawl H4. The pin III under movement of the head 58 thereupon moves the locking pawl forward so that its lower projection |28 engages into the recess |3| of the feed slide H8 as shown in Fig. 14. The pawl is held in this position by the holding pawl H5 as herelowermost can of the stack forward and out of the magazine, This feeding action will be repeated and will continue as long as cans in the magazine are properly arranged so that succesy -sive lowermost cans fall into position in align-l ment with the outlet openings 55 as each preceding lowermost can is removed. Just yso long the feed head I I1 and slide I I8 will remain locked together and the cans will be fed from the magazine in succession, each stroke of the slide delivering one can.

When a can does not fall all the way down in the magazine or when the magaziney becomes empty, there is nothing to engage the detector pin 86 so it remains stationary in its boss 85 and is not pushed back when the detector head 58 moves forward. The bell crank lever 88 moves outwardly into the position of Fig. each time the detector head moves back from its can engaged position of Fig. 11. This movement of the bell crank lever shifts its long pin III out of alignment with the locking pawl ||4 and-moves the short pin I|2 into alignment with the finger |2| of the holding pawl H5. Accordingly, on the next forward movement of the detector head, the holding pawl is struck by the short pin and is tilted as shown in Fig. 15. This releases the locking pawl ||4. In point of time this occurs just prior to the beginning of the forward stroke of the feed slide ||8. i

It will be understood that if during any cycle the pin 86 does not strike a can on the forward stroke of the detector head 58 (Fig. 12) the bell crank lever will not move on its pivot but will be held out by the spring pressed plunger 91. In this case it is the short pin I2 that is ready for work.

The projection |28 of the locking pawl I I4 thus snaps out of the locking recess I3| of the slide I |8 and enters the clearance notch |36. This unlocks the feed head I I1 from the slide |I8 and upon the forward stroke of the slide the head will remain stationary while the slide moves forward alone. Hence a can which may be improperly positioned in the magazine, as for example, one which is partially in alignment with the outlet openings 55 will be saved from being crushed and a jam in the machine is avoided.

As hereinbefore mentioned, a can b fed from the magazine A is pushed into the can setting-up When a can b is pushed horizontally from the magazine A, it is received ln a pocket |5| of the then stationary setting-up member D. The cam track |63 of the continuously rotating Geneva cam 64 thereupon engages a roller |62 of the Geneva disc |6| and thereby rotates the machineparts connected therewith through a partial rotation and moves the setting-up member D through a step rotation. 'I'his action carries the pocketed can from its horizontal position into an upright position with its top uppermost, as `shown in Figs. 5 and 9. During this setting-up of the can it is guided along its sides and top by a curved guide member |65 which is bolted to the side of the magazine A. x The upright can b, still in the setting-up member D, is now in front of the auxiliary feeding device E (Figs. 1 and 9) and before the settingup member D makes its next partial turn, the feeding device E pushes the can out of its pocket I5| and free of the member D, The auxiliary feeding device E comprises a vertical pad |1| having a boss |12 mounted on a horizontal rod |13 carried in an arm |14 which is secured to the top of the continuously reciprocating feed slide ||8. Lock-nuts |15 threaded onto the rod hold the latter in position in the arm |14 and at the same time provide a medium for adjusting the pad |1| relative to the upright can b.

Thus as the feed slide I|8 moves forward for removing the lowermost can from the magazine A, it also carries the pad |1| of the auxiliary feeding device E forward and pushes the upright can b out of the setting-up member D as described above. The pushed-out can is received on a table portion |11 (Figs. 2 and 5) carried in the cover plate 5I. Continued movement of the auxiliary feeding device E pushes the can across the table |11 toward the can pusher F and the tab raising element G (Fig. l) hereinbefore mentioned,

member D (Figs, 1, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 23) which is lon cated adjacent the magazine and is rotatable intermittently. The setting-up member is formed with arms |58 (Fig. 6) disposed at right angles after the fashion of a swastika and forming a star Wheel. These arms set off spaced pockets |5| which are adapted to be brought successively into register with the opening of the magazine A for receiving a can.

The member D is mounted on one end of a horizontal shaft |53 (Fig. 23) carried in a long bearing |54 formed on the cover plate section 5| of the main frame housing 52. The opposite end of the 'shaft carries a bevel gear |55. Gear |55 meshes with a bevel gear |56 mounted on the upper end of an inclined shaft |51 carried in a bearing |58 formed on` a bracket |59 which is bolted to the inside bottom wall section of the main frame housing 52.

At its lower end the inclined shaft |51 carries a Geneva disc |6| having a plurality of spaced rollers |62 secured thereto. These rollers are successively engaged by a cam track |63 (see also Figs. 24 and 25) of a Geneva cam |64 carried on the continuously rotating main cam shaft 12.

The tab raising elementG-(Figsl 2, 5,V to Y 22, inclusive) is located directly opposite the moving can b and is supported on a, pivot pin |8| carried in lugs |82 formed on an upright stop plate |83 of the table |11. A free end |85 of the element is formed with a wedge shaped blade |86. The opposite end of the element carries a long rod |81 and the outer end of this rod is held'under tension by a spring |88. `This is the normally raised position, as best shown in Fig. 18.

The rod |81 rests against the outer end of a double acting spring barrel I9| comprising a small barrel |92 ttng within a large barrel |93 and confining a compression spring |94 between and within them. The spring I 94 is a little heavier and stronger than the spring |88. The large barrel |93 is disposed in a bore |95 formed in a boss |96 on the stop plate |83 and is retained against displacement from the bore by a pin |91 secured in the boss. -One end of the pin exltends into a slot |98 formed in the large barre The small barrel extends in beyond the face of the stop plate |83 and is retained against displacement from the large barrel by a pin 28|. Pin 20| is secured in the large barrel and operates in a slot 202 formed in the small barrel. This construction permits independent sliding movement of the barrels and uses only the one spring common to both.

A can moving toward the tab raising element G under the action of the auxiliary feed device E engages against the protruding end of the small machine.

tab f as best shown in Figs. 11 and 19. The large barrel |93 is thereupon blocked against further movement and the small barrel |92 slides into it compressing the spring |64 as the can continues to advance into the position of Fig. 20.

This advancement of the can terminates when it strikes the stop plate |63. The can is now directly in front of the can pusher F as best shown in Fig. 2 and i's momentarily held in this position by the auxiliary feeding device E. It is the can pusher F which next operates to further advance the can.

.The can pusher F (Figs. l, 2, 5, 17 and 23) is mounted in a guideway 205 in the cover plate section 5| and reciprocates transversely of the The pusher is propelled by a pair of links 206 which connect the pusher with the upper end of an arm 201 (Figs. 5 and 23) mounted on a rocker shaft 208 carried in a bracket 209 depending from the cover plate 5|. The lower end of another arm 2|| also .mounted on the rocker shaft carries a cam roller 2|2 which operates in a cam track 2|3 formed in the compound cam 1| on the shaft 12.

Thus on the forward stroke of the can pusher F it engages the can b still frictionally held against the stop plate |33 and pushes it forward this being transversely of the machine and at right angles to its previous movement. The can is guided by and slides between the stop plate |03 and the plate |1| of the auxiliary feeding device E. During this transverse ad-k vancement of the can the wedge shaped blade |06 of the tab raising element G still seated against the top end member of the can, digs under the outer edge of the can carrying tab f and lifts it into an inclined position, as best shown in Fig. 22.

Continued forward movement of the can pusher F delivers the can into a positioned turret pocket 22| (Fig. 1). There are a plurality of such pockets formed in the intermittently rotatable turret H hereinbefore mentioned. This turret is disposed adjacent the forward stroke end of travel of the can pusher F and comprises spaced upper and lower turret discs 223 formed a pocket into alignment with the can pusher F. so that a can may be received therein.

A can received in a pocket of the turret is carried along a circular path of travel through several operating stations as hereinbefore 'mentioned. During this travel of the can it is supported on the `table |11 (see Fig. 5) and is retained in its pocket by a curved guide rail 236 which is secured to the table |11. The extended end of the table is bolted to a flange 231 (see Fig. 26) which is formed on the turret shaft bearing 223.

The rst step rotationof the turret H brings the can b into alignment with the marking mechanism J. The marking mechanism includes a movable hollow arm 24| (Figs. 5, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30) which is formed on a short hollow shaft or stem 242 (Fig. 29) carried in a pair of vertical spaced bearings 243 (see also Fig. 26) of a bracket 244 bolted to the cover plate 5| adjacent the path of travel of the can.

l The free end of the arm 24| is formed with a discharge chamber 251.

integrally with a central hub 224 (see also Figs. Y

3, 5 and 26) The turret hub 224 is secured on a vertical turret shaft 225 which is carried at its upper end in a bearing 226 (Fig. 1) formed in a bracket portion 221 in the top wall section of the cover plate 5| and at its lower end in a bearing 220 formed in a bottom wall section 229 of the cover plate 5|. The lower end of the turret shaft extends below the bearing 223 and carries arGeneva disc 23| having a plurality of spaced cam rollers 232 secured thereto.

The rollers 232 (see also Fig. 25) are arranged in a circle adjacent the periphery of thel disc and are successively engaged by a cam track 233 of a Geneva cam 234 mounted on the continuously rotating drive shaft 11. 'I'here is one cam roller 232 for each pocket 22| of the turret H so that as the rotating Geneva cam 234 en gages a cam roller the turret shaft 225 is revolved through a partial rotation. This brings stationary wedge shaped jaw 245 having a smooth inclined face 246. This end of the arm also vcarries a movable marking jaw 241 (see also Fig. 3l) which is disposed directly over the stationary jaw 245 and is mounted on a pivot stud 248 threaded into the arm.

The lower face of the marking jaw 241 isinclined for cooperation with the stationary jaw 245 and also carries suitable embossed characters 249 formed thereon. In the present instance this embossment preferably indicates a day of the week. The jaw is made readily detachable so that other jaws carrying other characters, such as other days of the week, may be easily placed in the marker. This provides a means of marking the can with the day of the week on which it was handled although any other notation may be used.

The upper or movable jaw 241 is normally held separated from the lower or stationary jaw 245 by a compression spring 25| which surrounds the pin 252 carried in lugs 253, 254 formed on the sides oi the respective jaws.

The jaws 245, 241 are also preferably heated. For this purpose steam is circulated through the hollow arm 24| and the resulting heat is imparted to the jaws by radiation and conduction. The steam is ilrst introduced into the arm shaft upper bearing 243 (Fig. 29) which is divided into a steam receiving chamber 256 and a steam These chambers are set off by bearing partition elements 250. The steam enters the receiving chamber 256 by way of an inlet pipe 259 (see also Fig. 26) which is threaded into a cap 26| bolted on top of the bearing 243. This steam Vpipe leads from any.

suitable source of supply.

Steam passing into `the receiving chamber 256 circulates through a bore 262 in the stem shaft 242, through the hollow arm 24| and returns through a bore 263 also formed in the arm shaft. The end of the bore 263 is plugged and return steam escapes into the discharge chamber 251 through a hole 264 formed in the side of the shaft adjacent the closed end of the bore 263.

From the discharge chamber 251 the steam is exhausted to any suitable place of discharge by way of a plurality of holes 265 (Fig. 28) formed in the discharge chamber partition. These holes communicate with a clearance space 266 formed in the bearing 243. Steam from this space escapes by way of a hole 261 formed in the side of the bearing and an outlet pipe 268 which is threaded into the hole.

Thesteam heated arm 24| is periodically rocked on the stem shaft 242 as an axis to bring the marking jaw 241l and its cooperating stationary jaw 245 into can marking position..

This is effected by an arm 21| (Figs. 1, 5, 26, 28 andl 29) .which is keyed to the stem shaft and lwhich is disposed between the spaced bearings 243. A set screw 212 threaded into this arm engages against the shaft and thus retains it in its bearings.

The arm 21| is connected by a link 214 (Figs. 1, 3 and 26) to a similar arm 215 mounted on the upper end of a vertical shaft 216 carried in bearings 211 formed vin the cover plate' 5|. On its lower end the shaft carries an arm 218 having a cam roller 219 which operates in a cam groove 28| of a multiple groove barrel cam 282 mounted on the continuously rotating drive As a can b in its pocket 22| of the intermittently rotated turret H comes into position under the marking mechanism J the steam heated arm 24| swings from its normal position (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 27) into the full line position shown in that figure. This swinging movement of the arm is brought about by the cam 282 and the normally separated jaws 245, 241 carried on the arm pass on either side of the raised tab f of the can, the lower or stationary jaw 245 reaching a position under the tab, while the upper or marking jaw is; positioned above the tab. While the jaws are positioned the upper jaw is forced down against the tab and the heated embossment 249 on the jaw face is impressed deeply therein. The lower jaw 245 acts as an anvil and supports the tab while under this pressure.

This embossing action is brought about by a toggle device which includes a pressure head 285 (Figs. 26 and 30). The head slides in the lower portion of a vertical guide 286 formed as a part of the bracket 244. A pressure regulator member 281 is disposed in the upper portion of the guide. This member is formed with a stem 288 which extends up through the top of the guide and is provided with lock nuts 289 for yieldably holding the latter in place. A compression spring 29| is interposed between the member and the top of the guide.

'I'he pressure head 285 and the regulator member 281 are each provided with a pivot pin 293 3|5 is in the normal position of Fig. 33.

and these effect a connection with a pair of toggle links 294. The inner ends of the linksare pivotally joined with each other and with the inner end of a rod 295 (see also Figs. 1, 3 and 5). The opposite end of the rod is secured lto an arm 296 mounted on a vertical shaft 291. At its lower end the shaft 291 carries an arm 290 having a cam roller 299 which operates in a cam groove 30| of the multiple cam282. Hence at the proper time the toggle device is actuated effecting a forcing of the pressure head 285 down against the marking jaw 241 and exerting the required embossing pressure on the tab f.

During the marking operation the can b is held firmly in its turret pocket 22| by an angular clamping plate 305 (Figs. 26, 27 and 30) which is swung into position against 'a corner of the can just prior to the marking operation and which is again swung out of the way at the completion of the marking operation. This clamping plate is formed onv the free end of a lever 306 which is carried ona depending stud taining a compression spring 36|.

301 secured in a boss 308 depending from the top wall section of the cover plate 5|. Lever 306 is also connected by a link 309 to a lever arm 3|| secured on the vertical shaft 216. Thus as the shaft 216 is rocked to shift the steam heated arm 24| into place it also swings the clamping plate 305 into place.

The marking operation is followed by the lifting of the can closure element d to uncover its filling opening c. This is effected by the can closureelement lifting device K (Figs. 1, 3, 25, 32 to 35, inclusive) which is located adjacent the marking mechanism J. The can closure elemint lifting device K includes a suction cup 3|/ formed on an arm extension 3|6 of a curved rack 3|1. This rack has movement in a vertical plane and is thus located transversely of the path of travel of the can b. The sides of the rack are formed with laterally projecting ridges 3|8 which slide in curved guide ways 3|9. One of these guide ways is formed on a bracket 32| which is bolted to the top of the cover plate 5| The other guide Way is bolted to the side of the bracket.

The curved rack 3|1 is actuated by a pinion 325 keyed to a short shaft 326 carried in a bearing 321 formed in the bracket 32| and also in a bearing 328 formed in a plate 329 bolted to the side of the bracket as best shown in Fig. 34. The shaft also carries a second pinion 33| which meshes with a straight or actuating rack 332 slidably retained in a groove 333 cut in the plate 329.

The straight rack 332 (Fig. 1) is connected by a link 335 to a lever arm 336 mounted on the upper end of a vertical shaft 331 carried in bearings 338 formed in the cover plate 5|. At its lower end the shaft carries an arm 339 having a cam roller 34| which operates in a. cam track 342 of the continuously rotating cam 282. Through the movement of these parts the curved rack 3|1 slides in its guide ways and swings the suction cup 3|5 into and out of operative position relative to the positioned can b.

When the can b is first brought to rest for the closure opening operation, the suction cup The curved rack 3|1 immediately slides in a counterclockwise direction and the suction cup 3|5 is carried into the dotted line position of Fig. 33 and in full line position of Fig. 35 in which position it is in engagement with the can closure element d. A vacuum is then drawn on the suction cup.

Vacuumizing of the suction cup 3|5 may be effected by any suitable means the drawings showing for this purpose a vacuum pump 345 (Fig. 3). Such a pump comprises a piston 346 which is reciprocated within a cylinder 341. The piston is actuated by an eccentric 348 keyed to ,the continuously rotating drive shaft 11 (see also Fig. 4), being operated by connection with an eccentric strap 349. The cylinder is connected by a flexible hose 350 to a valve block 35|, the hose having communication with a bore 352 formed in the block. The bore also communicates with the interior of a flexible tube 354 which connects with the interior of the suction cup 3|5 (see Fig. 35). l

The valve block 35| houses a slide valve pin 358 one end of which slides in a recess 359 con- The spring exerts an outward pressure on the slide pin. Intermediate its length the slide valve pin is supported by a collar 362 which slidably fits within the bore 352. This collar moves adjacent the valve end of the tube 354 and serves as a plunger for opening and cutting off communication between the suction cup and the vacuum pump.

The outer end of the slide valve extends beyond the end of the valve block and is provided with a head 364. The spring 36| holds this head against the upper end of a lever 365 mounted on a pivot pin 366 secured in the housing end plate 80. The lower end of the lever carries a. cam roller 361 which operates against the periphery of an edge cam 368 mounted on the drive shaft 11.

When the suction cup 3|5 has reached its position on top of the closure element d of the can b, the cam 368 allows the upper end of the lever 365 to be moved away from the valve block 35| under the action of the valve spring 36| which pushes the slide valve outwardly. This shifts the slide collar 362 to the right of the valve end of the tube 354 (as viewed in Fig. 4) and hence ment d into an upright position (Fig. 33) and uncovers its filling opening c. The vacuum is maintained on the suction cup 3|5 and holds the closure element in its upright position until a holding arm 31| (Figs. 32 and 33) is swung into position in front of the closure element to prevent its closing. The vacuum is then broken.

Breaking of the vacuum is effected by a further rotation of the cam 368 which rocks the lever 365 inwardly and thereby pushes the slide valve 358 so that its collar 362 is shifted to the left of the valve end of the tube 354 as viewed in Fig. 4. The interior of the tube 354 and the suction cup 3|5 are thereby brought into communication with the atmosphere entering the then open end of the valve bore 352. Hence the suction cup releases its hold on the can closure element d and the latter is held up solely by the holding arm 31| which will now be described.

The closure element holding arm 31| is mounted on a vertical shaft 312 (Figs. 1, 3, 25, 26 and 32) carried in bearings 313 formed in the cover plate l. At its lower end the shaft carries a lever arm 314 having a cam roller 315 which operates in a cam groove 316 formed in the multiple cam 282.

With the can closure element d still held in upright position by the holding arm 31|, the rotating turret H advances the can throughv another step toward the closure element detecting devices L. As soon as the can begins to move, the closure element d slips from the holding arm 31| and, while still in an upright position, passes along a stationary curved guide rail 318 (Figs. 1, 32, 33 and 35) which is bolted to the bottom of the bracket 221 of the cover plate 5| top wall section. The holding arm 31| thereupon swings back to its normal out-of-the-way position and the guide rail continues its holding function during the remainder of the travel ofv the can through the machine.

The closure element detector and can throwout mechanism L (Figs. 1, 3, 25, 37 to 40 inclusive) hereinbefore mentioned includes a detector pin 38| which is carried in a boss 382 of a hollow detector arm 383 mounted on top of a vertically movable detector shaft 384. This shaft is carried in a vertically disposed rocker sleeve 386 the lower end of which rocks in a bearing 381 formed in the cover plate 5 I.

Th detector shaft 384 is restrained against rotatie in the rocker sleeve 386 by a vertical key 39| (Fig. 37) which is secured to the arm 383 and which slides in a groove 392 cut in a lug 393 formed on top of the cover plate 5I. The deteotor\ shaft is periodically raised and lowered within the rocker sleeve 386 by a bell crank lever 395 (Figs. 3 and 25) which is mounted on a pivot pin 396 carried in a bracket 391 formed as an integral part of the inside of the machine housing 52. One arm of the bell crank lever is forked and carries trunnions which operate in a groove 398 of a collar 399 which is threaded into the lower end of the detector shaft.

The other arm of the bell crank lever 395 carries a roller 402 which operates in a slot 403 formed in a horizontal slide bar 404. The bar slides in bearings 405 formed in a bracket 406 disposed inside and as `a part of the machine housing 52 and is actuated by a cam roller 401 carried on the bar. The cam roller operates ina cam groove 408 of a cam face 409 which is mounted on a short shaft 4|| carried in a bearing 4|2 of the bracket 406. The short shaft carries a bevel gear v4|3 which meshes with the bevel gear 1.6 on the drive shaft 11.

The rocker sleeve 386 is periodically rocked around the vertically movable detector shaft 384 by a lever 4| 5 (Figs. 3 and 25) carried on its lower end. Lever 4I5 carries a cam roller 4|6 which operates in a cam groove 4|1 of a barrel cam 4|8 mounted on the drive shaft 11.

At its upper end the rocker sleeve 386 extends through a sleeve bushing 42| (Figs. 3, 37 and 38). This sleeve bushing is formed with an enlarged head 422 which is carried in a bearing 423 formed in the cover plate 5|. This construction provides for support of the sleeve bushing and prevents its sliding down. The sleeve bushing head 422 is recessed as at 424 for the reception of a head 425 of the rocker sleeve. This construction of rocker sleeve head insures support of the rocker sleeve and all parts carried thereby and at the same time allows for relative rotation of these parts.

At its lower end the sleeve bushing 42| is keyed to a can guide hub 421 which carries a pair of integral short can guide segments 428 (Figs. 1 and 3) normally aligned With the end of the can guide rail 236. These short segments fill a gap 429 between the end of the guide rail 236 and a continuing guide rail 43|. A bell crank 435 (Figs. 36 and 40, inclusive) is located inside of the detector arm 383 and is carried on a pivot pin 436. The outer end of one leg of the crank extends through an opening 431 in the boss 382 and operates in a slot 438 formed in the detector pin 38|.

The outer end of the other leg of the bell crank extends into a slot 44| of a curved plate cam 442 having on its lower surface an inclined cam groove 443. This cam 442 is mounted on a pivot pin 445 carried in a boss 446 formed on top of the cover plate 5|. A spring barrel 441 (Fig. 36) carried in a boss 448 also formed on the cover plate 5| pushes against a finger extension 449 of the plate cam 442 and thereby normally holds the opposite end of the cam against a stop lug 45| (see also Fig. 39). This lug is also formed on the top of the cover plate 5I and carries a guide 452 which prevents vertical displacement of the slotted end of the cam,

The plate cam 442 normally bears down on a lug 455 of a tiltable yoke 456 surrounding a. central collar 451 formed on the rocker sleeve head 425. The yoke is provided with trunnions 458 which are mounted in the collar. A compression spring 46| retained in recesses formed inl the yoke and in the head 425 of the rocker sleeve 386 forces the lug 455 upwardly against the plate cam 442.

Diametrically opposite the yoke. lug 455,' the yoke is provided with a finger 462 which when .the yoke is tilted, rests in a radial notch 463 and can throw-out mechanism L comes to rest directly un-der the detector pin 38|. The detector shaft 384 immediately moves down carrying with it the detector arm 383 and parts secured thereto including the `detector pin. The detecting operation follows.

If the closure element d of the positioned canr is in normally opened position so that the can filling opening c is fully uncovered, the descending detector pin 38| passes into the can through the filling opening as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 37. The detector pin, the bell crank 435 and the plate cam 442 therefore remain unmoved and in their normal positions relative to the descending detector arm 383. Hence the sleeve bushing 42| remains disconnected from the rocker sleeve and when the latter makes its oscillation thecan guide segments remain stationary, that is, in their normal can guide positions. 'I'hus upon the following step rotation of the turret H, the detected can advances further along its circular path of travel, being guided by the rail 236, guide segments 428 and rail 43|.

If the closure element d of the can is in other than a properly opened position, as by failure of the suction cup device K to raise the closure element and uncover the can lling opening c, the descending detector pin strikes against the closure element (Fig. 38) and its downward movement is arrested. Continuing descent of the detector arm 383 effects a rocking movement of the bell crank 435. 'I'his rocking movement shifts the plate cam 442 outwardly and releases the yoke lug 455. Hence the yoke compression spring 46| rocks the yoke in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 37 and presses its finger 462 into the notch 463 of the sleeve bushing head 422.- This locks the sleeve bushing 42| with the rocker sleeve 386 on which the yoke is carried, this being the position of Fig. 38.

Thus as the rocker sleeve 386 rotates through the forward portion of its oscillation it also turns the sleeve bushing with it. While this oscillation takes place, the detector shaft moves up carrying with it the detector arm, the bell crank and the detector pin. The weight of the detector pin is sufficient to shift it and the bell crank back into their normal positions. The plate cam 442 being released moves back into its normal position.

Turning of the sleeve bushing 42| shifts the can guide segments 428 into the path of travel of the can as shown in full lines in Fig. 36.

Hence on the next step rotation of the turret H the advancing can engages against the guide segments 428 and is swept out of its turret pocket 22|, Fig. 36 showing a can entirely yfree of the pocket. The removed can passes through the gap 429 adjacent the end of the can guide 236 and falls-down a chute 465 (Figs. 1 and36) into a discard bin 466 secured to the side of the machine housing 52.

After discarding the can the rocker sleeve 386 rocks back to its normal position and carries the guide segments back intoalignment with the can guide 236 as shown in. dotted lines in Fig. 36. On this return rocking movement of the rocker sleeve the lug 455 of the yoke 456 rides into the cam groove 443 of the plate cam 442 and follows along the incline of the groove. This depresses the lug and tilts the yoke back into its normal position (as shown in Fig. 37) withdrawing the yoke linger 462 from thenotch 463 of the sleeve bushing 42|. 'I'he sleeve bushing is thereby unlocked from the rocker sleeve. This completes the throw-out cycle.

On successive step rotations of the turret H4 the can is advanced through afplurality of idle stations and thence brought into position adjacent the transfer device M (Figs. 1, 5, 25 and 26) This transfer device includes a pair of upper and lower arms 41|, 412 which are disposed respectively above and below the turret H. Upper arm 41| is mounted on the lower end of a short pin 413 held in a bearing 414 formed on the bracket 221 of the cover plate 5|. The lower arm 412 is mounted on the upper end of a pin 415 which is concentric with the pin 413 and which is carried in a bearing 416 formed in the table portionk|11 of the cover plate 5|.A

The outer ends of the arms 41| 412 are formed with extended hubs 411 which are connected by a tie rod 418 which construction insures movement of the arms in unison. .A can transfer 'arm 419 is an integral part of each of these hubs. These transfer arms project inwardly at an angle to the arms 41|, 412. It is these transfer arms which effect the transfer of the can when the same are oscillated in unison with the arms 41| and 412.

The arms 41|, 412 and 419 are moved by a lever arm 48| which is carried on the lower arm `pin 415. A link 482 connects the lever arm 48| with a lever 483 which is mounted on a short vertical shaft 484 carried in a bearing 485 formed in the lower wall section 229 of the cover plate 5|.

Shaft 484 (Figs. 5, 25 and 26) also carries an arm 486 which is connected by a link 481 to the outer end of a lever 488 mounted on a pivot pin -489 carried in a bearing 49|. The bearing depends from the top wall section of the cover plate 5|. The inner end of the lever 488 carries a cam roller 492 whichoperates in a cam groove 493 formed in the compound cam 1| mounted on the continuously rotating cam shaft 12.

AWhen the advanced can b comes to rest adjacent the transfer device M, the transfer arm 419 moves in behind and engages the can and pushes it out of its pocket 22| of the turret H. The ends of the can guide rail 43|, the closure element holding guide rail 318 and a similar curved guide rail 494 bolted on top of the cover plate' 5| are shaped for guiding the can from its pocket while holding its closure element d in upright position during the transfer.

The removed can b may be then disposed of in any desired manner. To indicate that it is still under control while'being delivered Fig. 1

indicates the can being pushed forward into a pocket l of a rotating turret 49B forming a part of the lling or other can handling machine N. The can may be retained in the ller turret pocket by the curved guide rail 494 or in any other manner.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

We claim:

1. In a machine for treating sealed containers having a filling opening and an attached closure element, the combination of feeding devices for advancing containers along a predetermined path of travel, a closure element lifting device for raising the container closure elements to uncover the filling openings, means for holding the closure elements in raised position, a device for detecting advanced containers having their filling openings in other than a fully open condition, and a throw-out mechanism operable by said detecting device for discarding improperly opened containers.

2. In a machine for treating sealed containers having a lling opening and an attached closure element, the combination of feeding devices for advancing containers along a predetermined path of travel, a closure element lifting device for raising the container closure elements to uncover 3. In a machine for treating sealed containers i having hingedly attached closure elements, the

combination of feeding devices for advancing containers along a predetermined path of travel, a suction cup located adjacent the path of travel of the containers, means for creating a vacuum in said suction cup, valve meansl for openingcom` munication between said suction cup' and said vacuum means and also between said suction cup and the atmosphere, devices for first rotating said suction cup into engagement ywith the closure element on the sealed containers, and second,I forv rotating it in the reverse direction for. hinging outwardly the closure element into open'non-sealing position relative to the container,` said valvemeans operating to draw suction-on theV cup when wardly the closure elements of containers from container sealing position to facilitate further treatment of said containers, means for holding said closure elements in non-sealing outwardly hinged position during such further treatment and after said lifting device is released from a said closure element, means for detecting advanced containers having their closure elements in other than fully open position, and means actuated by said detecting means for ejecting such improperly opened containers from the machine.

5. In a machine for treating sealed containers having hingedly mounted closure elements thereon normally disposed in container closing and sealing position: the combination of feeding devices for advancing the sealed containers, a closure element lifting device for successively hinging outwardly the closure elements of containers from container sealing position to facilitate further treatment of said containers, means for holding said closure elements in non-sealing outwardly hinged position during such further treatment and after said lifting device is released from a said closure element, means for detecting advanced containers having their closure elements in other than fully open position, means actuated by said detecting means for ejecting such improperly opened containers from the machine, and a transfer device adjacent said ejecting means for removing properly opened containers from said feeding devices for further treatment.

6. In a machine for treating sealed containers having hingedly mounted closure elements thereon normally disposed in container sealing position: the combination of feeding devices including a rotatable turret for advancing the sealed containers, a suction operated closure element lifting device disposed adjacent said turret for successively hinging outwardly the .closure elements of said containers from sealing position to facilitate further treatment of-'said containers, 'means for holding saidclosure elements in non- -sealingoutwardly hinged position during ysuch y ,further treatment and after said lifting device is released from a said closure element, means for detectingfadvanced containers having their closure elements in other than fully open position,

andmeans actuated by said detecting means for ejectingsuchuimproperly opened containers Afrom thernachinefA-v Y '7. In a machine for rtreating containershaving 4 liin'gedly mounted closure elements thereonnormally disposed in 'container ,closingand sealing position, the combinationg'ofa magazine forzholding such-containers,` feeding devices for advancing containersls'u'ccfessively from said magazine along apredetermined path oftravel, 'said feeding-devices including vmeans" disposed adjacentfsai'd Y maga/zine for detecting the presencefof properly it rst engages said closure element and to mainl tain the suction on said cup while it is moving positioned containers [therein-fandfor-'holdlng said feeding devices 'frmpperationwhen a con-v tainerjto be fed is-improperly positioned, to prevent subsequentjamming 'of the machine due in its reverse direction, means for detectingfad- `1 vanced containers having their closure elements in other than fully open position. and meansac-; f' tuated by said detecting means for ejecting such improperly opened containers from' the machine.A

4. In a machine for treating sealed containers having hingedldy mounted closure elements thereon normally disposed in container closing and sealing position, the combination of feeding devices for advancing the sealed containers, a closure element lifting device disposed adjacent said feeding devices for successively hinging outto presence therein o'f improperlypositioned and 'fed' containers, and a closure element lifting det been properly Ypositioned and advanced by said feedingdevices, said lifting device engaging and hinging outwardly the closure elements of containers so properly advanced by said feeding devices to permit further operation thereon.

8. In a machine for treating containers having hingedly mounted closure elements thereon normally disposed inv container closing and sealing 

